Connect With Us

Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

Monica Rands-Preuss is licensed both in California and Washington. She has been practicing family law since 1994. Monica has years of experience working with families in transition. She believes that since all families are unique, their solutions should be too.

Parenting Plans for Divorcing Couples in Washington https://www.mollybkenny.com/library/custody-and-the-law-in-washington-state.cfm When couples with children are getting a divorce, child custody or co-parent

Child custody is an emotional issue – and one that varies considerably from state to state. Before taking advice from a friend, relative, or co-worker regarding your Washington State child custody case, you should familiarize yourself with the most common child custody myths and educate yourself about the child custody laws in your state from a trusted source.

Myth #1: The mother always gets custody of the kids

While there is some evidence that moms have more often received child custody in the past, it is important to understand that the courts recognize the existence of this bias and that judges work very hard to do what is in the best interest of the child. In the vast majority of cases, this means a joint parenting plan in which both parents spend time with their children and in which both parents have power when it comes to making decisions about their kids.

Myth #2: I’ll get custody because I’m the better parent

Again, child custody in Washington State isn’t a contest; it’s a process of finding a working solution so that both parents (if able) are able to continue a healthy and meaningful relationship with their children. What some call “sole custody” is rare in Washington, it’s likely that you will both have time with your children and that you will both still be a big part of their lives.

Myth #3: No one with a history of domestic violence or substance abuse will get custody rights

Washington State realizes how important it is to have ongoing relationships with both parents, and for this reason, it is unlikely that you will have no access to your children even if you have a troubled past (the common exception to this is someone who has been convicted of a sex crime). Those who have struggled with the law in the past may still have options, such as supervised visits, especially if they show they are actively dealing with their problems.

Myth #4: Our child custody arrangement is final

Your parenting plan is never final – you may ask to have it modified especially if something in your life or your children’s life has changed significantly since the parenting plan was decided. Don’t despair if your parenting plan begins and you don’t feel you have enough time with your children or that the plan won’t work for you in the long term – situations change, people change, circumstances change, and parenting plans change.

Contact Molly Kenny for Child Custody Advice in Bellevue

Getting advice about child custody from somewhere other than a trusted, local legal source can be confusing and inaccurate – you might end up hearing something that’s nothing more than a myth. To speak with an experienced, knowledgeable Bellevue child custody lawyer, call the attorneys at Molly B. Kenny today at 425-460-0550.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.